Recent Posts
News•Feb 27, 2026
‘Unfair and Unlawful’ SEND Consultation Facing Challenge
The UK government’s latest SEND reform consultation proposes ending the SEND Tribunal’s power to name education settings in EHCPs and shifting the duty to deliver the educational offer from local authorities to schools. Public‑law firm Rook Irwin Sweeney has filed a legal challenge, arguing the consultation omitted any questions on these key changes, making it unfair and unlawful. The challenge, on behalf of a child with complex needs, demands an amended consultation that fully explains the proposals. The Department for Education must respond by 13 March.
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 27, 2026
'Game Changing' AI Listing to Help Clear Court Backlog
The UK Ministry of Justice is piloting an AI‑driven case‑listing tool in Preston and Isleworth to help clear the chronic criminal court backlog. A new judicial national listing framework, due before summer, will standardise and increase transparency in how criminal...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 27, 2026
Land Registry Tells PM Law Clients to Quickly Instruct New Solicitors
HM Land Registry has urged former PM Law clients to appoint new solicitors after the firm’s sudden closure left hundreds of conveyancing cases in limbo. The registry is actively identifying applications submitted by PM Law and will contact affected customers directly where...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 26, 2026
Tick-Box Error Not Fatal to Costs Bill, Court of Appeal Rules
The Court of Appeal ruled that a £27,000 bill of costs remains valid even though the solicitor omitted the tick‑box confirming compliance with the indemnity principle. High Street Solicitors had signed and certified the bill, but left the specific box...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 25, 2026
Ex-Solicitor Jailed for 13 Years over Cell Assaults
A 72‑year‑old former criminal‑defence solicitor, Alan Harris, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for sexually assaulting clients while they were detained in police and court cells. The convictions cover five counts of sexual assault and five counts of indecent...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 25, 2026
Magistrate Sanctioned over Campaign Leaflet
Magistrate Michelle Bevan‑Margetts was issued formal advice for misconduct after a campaign leaflet she approved contained comments on government policy and the judiciary. The Judicial Conduct Investigations Office determined the remarks were added by her political party without her knowledge,...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 24, 2026
Lammy to Fund Unlimited Sitting Days - but Still Curb Jury Trials
Justice Secretary David Lammy announced a funding package that removes caps on court sitting days, aiming to clear backlogs and speed case resolution. The same plan tightens the use of jury trials, restricting them to serious criminal and complex civil...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Banker Who Gave False Evidence Under Oath Has Sentence Reduced
A senior banker was convicted of providing false evidence under oath in a federal fraud case and subsequently had his prison term reduced on appeal. The original sentence, imposed for perjury and involvement in a $200 million loan scheme, was cut...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Solicitor Struck Off over Indecent Image Conviction
A solicitor has been struck off the roll after being convicted of possessing indecent images. The disciplinary tribunal ordered the removal of his practising certificate, citing breach of professional standards. The case was processed swiftly by the Solicitors Regulation Authority...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
High Court Dismisses Contempt Applications Against Lawyers
The High Court dismissed all contempt applications filed by self‑represented litigant Martina Yvonne Shand against six defendants, including five lawyers, deeming them totally without merit. Justice Cotter also struck out Shand's £500,000 claim against Mishcon de Reya and DWF, labeling...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 23, 2026
Barrister Accused of Inflating Claimant’s Losses Reported to BSB by Judge
A judge has reported a barrister to the Bar Standards Board (BSB) for allegedly inflating a claimant’s loss figures in a recent case. The allegation suggests the barrister exaggerated damages to secure a higher settlement. The BSB now faces a...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 20, 2026
Criminal Practitioner Groups Unite to Fight Lammy on Juries
Labour MP David Lammy has reignited calls to reform the criminal jury system, proposing limits on jury use in complex Crown Court cases. In response, a coalition of criminal defence solicitors, barristers and professional bodies met to coordinate opposition. The...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 20, 2026
SRA Restricts Solicitor’s Practising Certificate After Stalking Conviction
Regulator says it has ’serious concerns’ about Andrew Milne’s conviction and wider allegations.
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 20, 2026
City Lawyers Urge SRA to Rethink Anti-SLAPP Campaign
City law firms have formally urged the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) to reconsider its anti‑SLAPP campaign after a series of high‑profile prosecutions collapsed. The City Society argues that the failed actions expose fundamental flaws in the regulator’s approach to conduct...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)
News•Feb 20, 2026
Law Firms Brace for Mazur Appeal Next Week
Law firms are preparing for a pivotal Mazur appeal scheduled for next week, following a September ruling that reshaped litigation financing. The decision has triggered a cascade of changes in how firms price services, allocate staff, and address pro bono...
By Law Society Gazette (UK)